Hydroponic is a unique method of growing plants sans soil. Since you are not using soil, you need to provide food to the plant by using a different route and this is where hydroponic nutrients come in. Hydroponic nutrients are specially formulated to supply essential food to your plants. All plants need a balance percentage of macro nutrients such as N-P-K i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace elements to grow. There are many factors that influence a plants’ ability of utilize these nutrients adequately. pH value of hydroponic nutrients and grow room temperature will greatly affect nutrient uptake of your plants. Nitrogen is mainly responsible for leaf and stem growth of your plant. Phosphorus is essential for photosynthesis and works as a catalyst for energy transfer within the plant. Potassium on the other hand, activates the movement and growth of sugars and starches. It also encourages strong root growth, water uptake and triggers enzymes to fight disease. Calcium is secondary macronutrients and essential for the growth of plant cells and roots, while magnesium plays an important role in light absorption and also helps to distribute phosphorus throughout the plant. On the other hand, sulfur increases the effectiveness of phosphorus.

Likewise, the micro elements are also very essential for hydroponic growing. A good hydroponics nutrient solution with proper secondary elements and trace elements such as cobalt, chlorine, molybdenum, zinc, iron, and manganese will help you to grow plants in an appropriate way. In order to absorb all nutrients your general hydroponics plants need to stay at its proper pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Plants require right quantity of essential nutrients with proper hydroponic lighting system to produce their own food for healthy growth. There are a wide variety of hydroponic gardening supplies available that are well suited to the type of plants you are growing.